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Today marks a significant milestone for the Statesboro Youth Connect Program, as a new cohort of bright, motivated young people graduates after a comprehensive five-week journey. The program, designed to prepare participants for the workforce and instill a sense of community engagement, has once again proven to be a trans-formative experience for all involved.
The Mayor, Jonathan McCollar, in his opening remarks emphasized the importance of investing in the youth, highlighting that there are no politics when it comes to nurturing the next generation.
"Either we're going to choose to invest in them or we're going to jeopardize our future," he stated.
He praised the city's commitment through initiatives like Youth Connect, Village Builders, and the youth council, stressing that the city's future relies on the energy and innovation of its young people.
A Community Effort
Dr. Lasara Mitchell then takes back over, gaining the crowds attention by inviting them to answer a question, "Are you connected?" she began with. "Connections made in silence across realms of time build complex pathways for hills of life we climb,". She spoke about the importance of the connections formed during the program and how these bonds will continue to bear fruit in the future. "This program's purpose is to connect you," she said, urging the graduates to stay connected to their community and dedicated to their goals.
Dr. Mitchell also challenged the adults in the audience to continue supporting the youth, sharing their knowledge, and helping them prepare for their future careers. "How are you connecting?" she asked, encouraging everyone to reflect on the importance of mentorship and community involvement.
Celebrating Individual Successes
Reflection were also included from the Youth Connect Program from Ava Mincey and Alijah Wright. They were followed behind with speeches from representative of local businesses which were Stacy Grant, Lieutenant Tarrasha Scarboro, Captian Kenneth Thompson, and Justin Williams.
Throughout the ceremony, several individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions and growth during the program. For example, Jarnicua Jean-Charles was praised for her exceptional work in child care, where she built strong relationships with both children and parents.
The Sheriff's Department also shared success stories, highlighting the transformative experiences of participants like Ava Mincey, Carmyn Sheffield, and Shayonna Fair who learned valuable lessons about professionalism and community service.
The program coordinator, Dr. Mitchell emphasized that even if a student decided that a particular career path was not for them, it was still a success. "That means you will not waste your family members' dollars, you won't take out all these different grants and loans to go to college for four years and decide, 'I hate this,'" she explained. This perspective highlights the program's role in helping students refine their career aspirations through real-world experiences.
2024 Youth Connect Participants
- Alan Beasley - Finance Department
- Bailey Bergans - Trilogy Achievement Academy
- Isaac Brooks - Public Works
- Jada Broomfield - Statesboro Regional Library
- Kaedin Caine - Delawi Designs Salon/JDs Salon
- Eden Chavers - Ogeechee Judicial Public Defenders Office
- Tyler Cooper - Kids World Learning Center
- Ja Kori Cope - Grice Connect
- Lakeya Eason - On-Time Fashion
- Stephen Edwards - 7th Mile Farm/Fostering Bulloch
- Shayonna Fair - Bulloch County Sheriff's Office
- Olivia Hendrix - Statesboro Regional Library
- Quailnija Hills - New Life Chiropractic
- Kennedi Howard - VIP Nails
- Grace Huff-Colbert - Human Resources Department
- Mason Hughes - Kids World Learning Center
- Jarnicua Jean-Charles - Kidovations
- Andre'anna Jenkins - Kids World Learning Center
- Zoe Lee - Human Resources Department
- Ava Mincey - Bulloch County Sheriff's Office
- Nigeria Mincey - Frontline Medicine/C&E Learning
- Zaelyn Newton - Planning & Development Department
- Isaiah Rogers - Kids World Learning Center
- Laylah Scarboro - Ogeechee Judicial Public Defenders Office
- Sanaye Scott - C&E Learning/Limitless Counseling and Consultation
- Diona Seabrain - Frontline Medicine/C&E Learning
- Carmyn Sheffield - Bulloch County Sheriff's Office
- Isley Simpkins - Statesboro Real Estate
- James Stewart - 7th Mile Farm/Fostering Bulloch
- Marlii Thomas - Thomas Dental Center
- DeMarrio Wade - Human Resources Department
- Lauren Wadley - Engineering Department
- Bryson Williams - City Gym/Central Services
- Alijah Wright - New Life Chiropractic
As the ceremony drew to a close, several students who had been hired by their placement organizations stood to be recognized. Their success stories are a testament to the program's impact and the bright futures that lie ahead for these young individuals. The ceremony was concluded with a video created by a participant of the program, which was me, Ja'Kori Cope.
The Statesboro Youth Connect Program continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for the youth of Statesboro. By investing in these young people, the community ensures a future filled with promise, innovation, and success. Congratulations to all the graduates of Youth Connect 2024
